Aerial LiDAR is an advanced remote sensing technology that uses laser scanning from UAV / UAS platforms to capture highly accurate terrain and elevation data quickly and efficiently. Maven Mapping Solutions provides professional aerial LiDAR services throughout the Pacific Northwest, delivering precise geospatial data for infrastructure, transportation, and development projects. Using NDAA-compliant drone technology, GNSS control networks, and licensed surveying expertise, we produce detailed 3D models, topographic mapping, and point cloud data that support engineering design, planning, and construction workflows.

When Should You Use Aerial LiDAR?

We recommend this technology to our clients on various projects. Depending on the needs of our client and the overall project, Maven may elect to supplement aerial LiDAR data with conventional survey methods.

1. Land development projects of all sizes. This technology excels in natural terrain and penetrates most vegetation to give an accurate model of the ground.
2. Roadway corridor projects can benefit greatly from using aerial LiDAR. The sheer amount of data collected in such a short time increases the efficiency of the project. Supplementing this data with terrestrial LiDAR and other traditional survey methods creates a base map more detailed than ever before possible with only traditional methods.
3. Structural design or retrofit also benefits from this technology. Using advanced techniques, we are able to collect data on vertical structures in high detail. This data then allows for 3D modeling of the structure in a way never before available.

Why Should You Use Aerial LiDAR?

1. Extremely efficient method for rapid data collection over large areas. 
2. High accuracy terrain models and point clouds to support infrastructure and design projects.
3. Provides safe access to difficult or hazardous areas.
4. LiDAR can penetrate most vegetation types to show an accurate ground model.
5. This method has very minimal site disruption and provides improved safety for all workers.
6. Reduced project costs over time due to the amount of data captured during a single flight.

What does Blue List and NDAA Compliant Mean?

On December 22nd, 2025 the United States enacted the American Security Drone Act (ASDA) which is based on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) from 2020. The ASDA established procurement prohibitions and requires compliance for any federal funded projects. The intent of this new legislation was to prohibit drones and drone parts from covered foreign entities being used on any federal projects in the United States. The main target of this was the Chinese manufacturers. In order to be considered compliant on federally funded projects, all parts of any drone being flown for the particular project must not have ties to any of the foreign entities on the prohibited list. All drones and drone parts must be sourced from approved companies and foreign entities.

Maven Mapping Solutions has removed this issue for our clients by investing in a complete NDAA Compliant / Blue List drone system. We are now able to collect all necessary LiDAR and Photogrammetry data for any project in the United States.

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